394.1123 Massie, T. H. Mrs./12: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Sokobin) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 5—6:33 p.m.]
With reference to the Massie case, I have been handed a letter dated July 4 addressed to me by my Japanese colleague as follows:
“I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, under date of 21st June 1938 in regard to a case in which Mrs. Massie, an American citizen, became involved with a Japanese sentry on the night of 20th June, and have the honor to state in reply that I [it has?] now been intimated by the Japanese naval authorities in Tsingtao that an understanding was already reached between the American and Japanese [Page 393] naval authorities with regard to the final settlement of the case.
I have further been informed by the Japanese naval authorities that in view of the fact that the case in question originated solely in the misunderstanding caused by the ignorance of the languages of the people involved and cases of this kind could have been avoided should both parties have been more considerate, the Japanese naval authorities already issued instructions to all of the naval units stationed here to be more thoughtful in dealing with foreign nationals. I trust that you will no doubt share our feeling of depreciation [deprecation] and will take necessary steps to advise your nationals resident in Tsingtao to take full cognizance of the abnormal situation prevailing here and act with discretion whenever they come into contact with Japanese sentries.”
I have not seen any of our American naval authorities since the call of the Japanese naval authorities referred to. The U. S. S. Augusta arrived in Tsingtao the afternoon of July 3 and I believe that the call was made by the Japanese Chief of Staff on our Chief of Staff.6
Sent to Hankow, Peiping, by mail to Tokyo.
- Capt B. F. McConnell, U. S. N.↩